Matthew Michael Baeppler, 53, of Pensacola, Florida, formerly of Cleveland, Ohio, passed away Monday, March 18, 2024, surrounded by family.

Matt was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on September 13, 1970. He was a proud Cleveland Police Officer of 26 years. After retirement, Matt found a new passion teaching at Escambia High School. Matt loved Escambia High School, its faculty and staff, but most of all, its students. Matt loved showing his support for the students by attending sporting and band events. Matt was an avid outdoorsman, enjoyed fishing and duck hunting, and was a fitness enthusiast. Matt was an organ donor, and through his organ donation, gave life to others.

He is survived by his wife, Michelle Baeppler; sons, Jack and Luke Baeppler; parents, Greg and Marilyn Baeppler; brothers, Paul and Chris Baeppler; nieces, Kate, Kristen and Sara Baeppler; and nephew, Michael Baeppler.

Matt's wake will be held at Corrigan-Craciun Funeral Home in Cleveland, Ohio, on Sunday, March 24, 2024, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of Angels Catholic Church at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, March 25, 2024. A private Christian rite of burial will be held at St. Joseph Cemetery in Avon, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Blue Coats www.bluecoatsinc.org or St. Jude's Hospital www.stjude.org

The Baeppler Family would like to express their gratitude to the amazing CCU staff and physicians at Baptist Hospital, and a huge thank you to family and friends for the overwhelming love and support during this difficult time.